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Jonas Omlin in his new living room.
And then it had to be quick. All four parties suddenly agreed: Gladbach with Montpellier on the transfer of Jonas Omlin (29). Bayern Munich and Gladbach about a change from Yann Sommer (34). And this after the deals had actually burst twice within six days.
Omlin is sitting in the Borussia Park in Mönchengladbach, drinking mineral water and talking openly about the sparkling days.
Blick: Jonas Omlin, let’s go chronologically. On January 10, your Montpellier club told you they were 100% sure they would not let you go. Is that correct?
Jonas Omlin: It was like I sat in the office of the club bosses and told them what I would like to do – namely switch to Borussia Mönchengladbach. It was also a family decision, it wasn’t an easy two and a half years privately. The language barrier in particular made things difficult for my wife and I at first, when visiting the doctor and looking for a daycare center. In the first year you were also isolated because of Corona, often alone at home in a new country. It was still a good experience, particularly in terms of sport, but I really wanted to seize this opportunity with Gladbach.
So you said Montpellier: If Yann Sommer goes to Bayern, would I like to go to Gladbach?
It was back and forth. But my position was always: If Gladbach gets me, Yann can go to Bayern. I spoke to several people at the club: the president clearly said no. The head of sport said that one could imagine finding a replacement. As clearly as I was told that day that I would not be sold, it was logical for me to stay with Montpellier. I felt like it was over. And it wasn’t to be the only time I felt that way. (laughs)
Gladbach sports director Roland Virkus then said: “We will not give up Yann Sommer. We told Bayern that too.” On Saturday, January 14, talks between the four parties suddenly resumed.
I agree. And on Sunday Montpellier informed me that they had tried everything but that Bayern and Gladbach would not come to an agreement. That’s when I thought for the second time that the deal is dead. But then apparently a new offer from Bayern came on the table.
This was eight million euros plus 1.5 million in additional payments – and so Gladbach was also able to pay the transfer fee for you. How was it for you to sit on packed suitcases?
I didn’t pack anything at all. At some point I got tired of packing and unpacking again and again. (laughs) No, seriously, I also had to concentrate and do my job during this time. Montpellier is in the middle of a relegation battle, the results weren’t right at all. I then said: “I’ll pack, if you really tell me that I have to go.”
Did you talk to Yann Sommer in those days?
Yes. We exchanged ideas because it was quite an up and down for both of us. Sometimes happiness, sometimes disappointment. We sent each other Whatsapp texts and voice messages. But of course we were more between chair and bench, mostly it’s done through the consultants. Sometimes it almost seemed as if the media were better informed than I was.
For example when?
When I got the rejection from Montpellier on Sunday and then I read on Monday that it’s far from over. A lot of what was reported happened that way. It was fascinating how it all happened.
The agreement then came on Wednesday 18 January. Yann Sommer flew to Munich that evening, you to Gladbach the next day, where you signed until 2027.
I felt from the start that Yann is a legend here. He did an incredible job in eight and a half years and was very popular. His heart will always stay a little bit here. He told me I would love it here. I think he’s also happy that there’s another Swiss in goal for Gladbach.
Do you remember Jörg Stiel, who made it to captain here?
No, that was a little before my time. I remember him in the national team, but not at Gladbach.
You said settling in France was difficult. What is your sporting conclusion after two and a half years in France?
I benefited, of course. In Ligue 1, the games were at a higher level than in Switzerland, and I continued to develop.
You got three red cards during this time. A high value.
Yes, but in France people pull out quickly too. In the first season I underestimated Kylian Mbappé’s speed a bit and then had to stop him. (laughs) Happened as a goalie.
It is interesting: In the Sommer personal, you were almost forgotten in the media.
I’m used to that. (laughs) Ligue 1 isn’t that interesting for the German-speaking Swiss, unlike the Bundesliga.
What was your favorite club as a kid?
I always preferred playing football to watching. My father and my brother, who is five years older than me, were both in goal, both at FC Sarnen. That’s why I wanted to do it too. One had to take over the gloves of the two.
How did you grow up?
down to earth. My mother is a doctor’s assistant, my father is a painter and has been in the same company for 45 years. He did the apprenticeship there and always stayed. Now slowly towards retirement. He’s hard earned it.
Many fathers stop working when their sons are making millions from football.
That was out of the question for him.
FC Sarnen is to receive training compensation of CHF 30,000. Have you already said thank you?
Not yet. But it’s nice that the club gets something. I’m still in the club’s patrons’ association to this day, the roots will last forever.
What is typically Obwalden for you?
Mountains, lake and fresh air. My home, my homeland. A beautiful spot in Switzerland, I really miss being there.
Were you a good student?
Average. I never had to invest much, but always got through. To the chagrin of my mother, who would have liked to see me invest more. I always stayed under the radar, I liked that.
Then you did the KV.
Yes, the athlete training. And then I worked in accounting, passed the exams – that’s the only thing that counts.
It was up for you to go to police school.
I thought about becoming a police officer, that’s true. I always thought that was kind of cool. But things were different now and I wouldn’t trade again.
Jonas Omlin himself
Jonas Omlin discovered football at FC Sarnen. In 2012 he went to SC Kriens. He made his professional debut in March 2015 for FC Luzern. In 2018, the 1.90 meter tall goalkeeper finally switched to FC Basel, where he won the cup. Two years later, Omlin moved to Montpellier in the French Ligue 1. After two and a half years he left southern France to succeed Yann Sommer at Borussia Mönchengladbach. Omlin has also played in goal for Switzerland – Omlin made his debut in the national team in October 2020. He is married to the daughter of former footballer René van Eck and they have a two-year-old son. The second child is on the way.
Jonas Omlin discovered football at FC Sarnen. In 2012 he went to SC Kriens. He made his professional debut in March 2015 for FC Luzern. In 2018, the 1.90 meter tall goalkeeper finally switched to FC Basel, where he won the cup. Two years later, Omlin moved to Montpellier in the French Ligue 1. After two and a half years he left southern France to succeed Yann Sommer at Borussia Mönchengladbach. Omlin has also played in goal for Switzerland – Omlin made his debut in the national team in October 2020. He is married to the daughter of former footballer René van Eck and they have a two-year-old son. The second child is on the way.
After that, at FC Luzern, you missed the goal in the first game against Basel. You felt like a failure and hired a mental coach, right?
I had the mental trainer before that – until today, by the way. He has now accompanied me to the medical checks in Gladbach. He is my confidante, we have done many things together. It’s always about controlling your thoughts and not worrying about what might happen. Just go ahead, do it and then see how the reactions are – and don’t think about in advance what they could be.
How often do you talk to him?
More again in the last two weeks. In France it was less, depending on my need.
What shaped you: You were once loaned out to Le Mont in the Challenge League. You didn’t feel so comfortable there, did you?
You are still young and have no rights. It was a good experience going through the bottom. Returning to amateur level from FC Luzern with a whirlpool in the stadium. That grounded.
They stayed in a hotel with shared toilets.
Yes, and my fridge was a cool box in the room. It was very difficult, but it was about playing games and then being ready for FC Luzern. That worked.
They prevailed there and moved to Basel. Did you also have to take insults – such as Gerardo Seoane, who went to YB as a coach?
Transfers within Switzerland are always difficult for the fans. But Basel is still a step forward compared to Lucerne, even though I was an FCL fan myself as a child, of course. As an Obwaldner it was an honor to play there, it doesn’t happen that often. But you also want to keep growing, and that’s easiest if you throw yourself into a new tank.
Your wife is the daughter of a Lucerne legend – René van Eck. As a grandpa, is he as scary as he looks?
No, on the contrary. As a coach, he always seemed brute, but I was able to get to know him in a completely different way with our son. He’s a sensitive guy and a great grandfather. And a legend in Lucerne: If you walk through the city with him, you won’t get far. He keeps having to stop for photos.
How did you meet your wife Janice?
Our circle of colleagues in Lucerne was similar. The city isn’t that big, so sooner or later you’ll run into each other – although I’ve already played in Basel. we fell in love Then in 2020 our first son was born, our second child is on the way. We are very happy. For me, my family is the biggest anchor I have – in all the wild football stuff. That’s why it was wonderful that everyone was able to experience my debut with Gladbach against Leverkusen on site, including my parents and siblings.
Did you ask René van Eck for permission to marry his daughter?
Yes, I called him. He said, “Yes, you’re welcome to do it.” And then he asked me how the game was over the weekend. (laughs)
Where did you apply?
In Lucerne on my mother-in-law’s terrace. I put out some roses and she said yes. After that we got married in the Hotel Montana in Lucerne.
Let’s talk about the national team: before the 2022 World Cup you were demoted from number 2 to number 3, Gregor Kobel then scored against Serbia. How did you feel?
It was of course a disappointment. As Murat Yakin told me, it was an open duel, but maybe I wasn’t able to push myself enough in France and I was injured shortly before the World Cup. That’s why the decision was made – but I don’t let that bother me. I’m only 29 and still have time to attack.
The cards could be reshuffled from summer if Yann Sommer really sits on the bench at Bayern because of Manuel Neuer.
I don’t think Yann is sitting on the bench. If Neuer came back, Yann would certainly have a solution.
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